Elmhurst police arrested a 20-year-old Berwyn man after a stolen Dodge Charger hit 93 mph on Interstate 390 and tore through multiple jurisdictions before stopping on a highway ramp off I-290.
Antonio Hernandez of the 3200 block of Clarence Avenue in Berwyn faces one count each of possession of a stolen motor vehicle and aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer, according to a DuPage County State's Attorney's Office news release first reported by Shaw Local. A judge denied his pre-trial release, and Hernandez will remain in jail at least until his next court date.
The chase began about 4:10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23, when Hanover Park police spotted a gray Charger and an Infiniti SUV speeding eastbound on Lake Street, the release stated. The Charger crossed into the westbound lane, and a Hanover Park officer made a U-turn to follow.
Hernandez allegedly ran a red light at Lake Street and Barrington Road, then entered eastbound I-390. He reached approximately 93 mph before the Hanover Park officer ended the pursuit, authorities said.
The Charger kept going.
It had been reported stolen out of Elgin at about 4 a.m. that same morning. Near the I-290/294 split, Elmhurst police spotted the vehicle and followed as it ran over spike strips deployed by Oak Brook police, deflating three tires.
Hernandez drove onto the 17th Street ramp off I-290, abandoned the car and ran. Officers caught him after a brief foot chase at about 4:25 a.m.
What police found inside the vehicles added another layer. A cord and a vehicle/key fob re-programmer turned up in the Charger, the release stated. After obtaining a search warrant for the Infiniti, which was determined to be owned by Hernandez, officers allegedly found multiple blank key fobs for re-programming, a screwdriver and a knife with a window punch.
Elmhurst Police Chief Michael McLean said in the release that he was "incredibly grateful for the seamless collaboration between DuPage County agencies that led to Mr. Hernandez's swift apprehension and safely ended this criminal act."
DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said the arrest "once again sends a loud and clear message that in DuPage County you cannot outrun the law."
Hernandez's next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 16.
